Navigating Early Language Development: The Role of Maternal Education and Cash Assistance in Low-Income Families (Poster 11)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 3:45pm
  In Invited Poster Session: 2026 AERA Undergraduate Fellows Research Poster Fair

Abstract

This study investigates how maternal education and poverty reduction influence early language interactions between mothers and their children. Using data from the Baby’s First Years (BFY) project, a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the impact of unconditional cash transfers on low-income families, this study examines the quality and quantity of parent-child language interactions. Key findings indicate that while maternal education consistently predicts higher levels of adult word count, conversational turns, and child vocalizations, the cash transfer itself does not significantly affect these outcomes. These results highlight the importance of supporting caregiver education to enhance early language environments, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts

Author

• Evelyn (Siyueqi) Li, University of Wisconsin - Madison